Grouper, Red – U.S.

Red Grouper are found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to southern Brazil but are most commonly found along the west coast of Florida to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Red Grouper account for 73% of all U.S. grouper catches.

Red Grouper begin life as females and transition to males between 7 and 16 years of age. They are at a healthy abundance level in the Gulf of Mexico and are rebuilding toward a healthy level in the South Atlantic. Fishing levels on Red Grouper are sustainable.

Red Grouper are caught using handlines and bottom longlines. The fisheries that catch Red Grouper target a range of groupers, snappers, and other fish, and result in bycatch of some depleted species. The longline fisheries also accidentally catch some sea turtles and sharks. Fishing occurs over some sensitive habitats, like rocky reefs. While handline fishing causes minimal habitat damage, fishing with bottom longlines may result in moderate damage to these habitats.